Date: 1300-1400 Language: Old French Origin: renc, reng 'line, place, row' rank1 noun rank1 W31position in army/organization [uncountable and countable]SCPPM the position or level that someone holds in an organization, especially in the police or the army, navy etc rank of officers below the rank of Colonel He held (=had) the rank of Chief Inspector. rise to/be promoted to/attain the rank of somet